For the last 12 years of my working life, I was regularly up at 6am to be in the office before 8. I often used to imagine those early morning walks I'd take once I retired... though I knew at heart I was a night owl rather than a lark. Now happily in retirement, I've been somewhat surprised to find I'm one of those people who doesn't really get going until about 10am. Morning walks haven't featured very much! So, when the forecast was for a heavy frost overnight, I was quite proud of myself that I put the alarm on and heaved myself out of bed and into the chill. I walked in somewhat of a daze, it has to be said, but it was still pleasant to find myself out there for once with the early commuters, joggers and dog walkers.
In the event the frost in this fairly urban neighbourhood wasn't as heavy as I'd anticipated and the sunrise was unspectacular. I still enjoyed the subtle colours and the way the low sun caught the tops of the trees, many still clinging on to their autumn leaves, though it was mid-November. The frost meant the leaves were tumbling down all around me, making soft sounds like gentle rain.
Across the fields, the lodge that once guarded the entrance gates to Titus Salt Jnr's Milner Field mansion positively glowed in the sunshine. The geese, roosting on the field, seemed as dazed as I was at that early hour.
I was a little disappointed that the sun wasn't yet high enough to make magic along the river, and there was only a faint haze of mist on the water. Surprisingly, there were three rowers out from the rowing club, getting their morning exercise, all clad in neon yellow life vests. That wasn't especially what I wanted in my photos and I had to be careful to time my shots to avoid them!
Where the sun was yet to penetrate, the frost rimed the fallen leaves.
It was a worthwhile endeavour; gratifying to come home to a warm house, decent coffee and my bowl of porridge - and with the smug satisfaction of having already clocked my target steps for the day!
Well done you! Up early and beautiful photos and words. I walk early every week day morning but the temperature is already 25°C I doubt I would be up early on a frosty morning. I've discovered that you don't always need to wait for people to get out of your shot, sometimes they bring the image alive.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing better than a bowl of hot porridge (with a spoonful of Tate and Lyle golden syrup, please) to warm one through on a cold winter's morning! It is supposed to be very good for the digestive tract. Tate and Lyle used to send their boatloads of sugar by canal, from Liverpool to their warehouse in Leeds.
ReplyDeleteYou are brave to get out so early. Lovely photos. The crisp chill of an early morning can sooth the soul, and make one appreciate the warmth of indoors.
ReplyDeleteNothing wakes me up quicker than a breath or two of chill air, though I have to have breakfast before I go! These photographs would be ample reward for the effort.
ReplyDeleteWhat a poet you are, in words and images. Thank you xxx
ReplyDeleteNice shots. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteGood for you! So glad you got some photos that you liked...and me too, I like them also.
ReplyDeleteI get going slowly in the morning too but at least you were rewarded with lovely scenes!
ReplyDeleteI am able to leave at my own pace in the morning, which helps- I prefer not speaking to another soul if possible for at least an hour after waking up.
ReplyDeleteTerrific shots!
It's so nice to get outdoors in the winter, even though it's cold the fresh air is good.
ReplyDeleteOh Yes, Fabulous Captures Here
ReplyDeleteCheers